El Monte Lodge
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El Monte is not simply a place to stay; the Lodge and its owners are dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural beauty of Mindo – Nambillo Forest, one of the most biologically diverse and endangered Cloud Forests in the world.
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VISIT EL MONTE and feel the lushness of Tropical Cloud Forest! Stay in private riverside cabanas and see firsthand the moss covered trees, crystal clear streams, spectacular orchids, exotic birds - awaken to the symphony of forest noises… hear the sounds and try to imagine the source. Experience Cloud Forest with all your senses, an ecosystem not widely known by name but could be described as the Garden of Eden or Paradise Found.
One of the best ways to describe El Monte is that it is “unique”, mostly because of their environmental philosophy and personal touches. Theirr aim has been to enjoy living in Mindo, and at the same time help protect the forest and do as low impact of tourism as possible. A conscience decision was made to stay small and that there should be some sort of ratio between guests received and amount of land owned to keep the ecological impact to a minimum. Of the El Monte Reserve only about one hectare (2.5 acres) is used for the lodge, garden and cabanas, the rest is used for nature walks, bird observation or just enjoying nature.
By just passing through a paradise one may miss the hidden beauty of it... that's why at El Monte all activities are led by local Mindo guides. They will be able to point out the many colorful birds, medicinal plants, exotic orchids and show you the way to beautiful waterfalls and scenic lookouts. Mealtime conversations (in English), for those inclined, are usually free flowing but often include discussions about conservation, Cloud Forest biology or the history of Mindo.
One of the best ways to describe El Monte is that it is “unique”, mostly because of their environmental philosophy and personal touches. Theirr aim has been to enjoy living in Mindo, and at the same time help protect the forest and do as low impact of tourism as possible. A conscience decision was made to stay small and that there should be some sort of ratio between guests received and amount of land owned to keep the ecological impact to a minimum. Of the El Monte Reserve only about one hectare (2.5 acres) is used for the lodge, garden and cabanas, the rest is used for nature walks, bird observation or just enjoying nature.
By just passing through a paradise one may miss the hidden beauty of it... that's why at El Monte all activities are led by local Mindo guides. They will be able to point out the many colorful birds, medicinal plants, exotic orchids and show you the way to beautiful waterfalls and scenic lookouts. Mealtime conversations (in English), for those inclined, are usually free flowing but often include discussions about conservation, Cloud Forest biology or the history of Mindo.
2 Day Program |
3 Day Program |
Day 1: Quito - Mindo
The El Monte Lodge is located just outside the town of Mindo, recognized as a world-class bird watching site by Bird Life International. On arrival our hosts will offer a short introduction to the lodge and its garden, plus a few tips in regards bird species will greet us. Besides world-class birding, here you will be able to hike in lush cloud forests replete with orchids and bromeliads, as well as enjoying river tubing, the spectacular butterflies of the ´Mariposarium´, and hikes to a primary forest reserve. Mindo has about 370 species of orchids in the reserve. The orchid is undoubtedly one of the most impressive attraction to those visiting the place, the unspoilable range of species on display. Admire and enjoy the interactive butterfly garden where, surrounded by hundreds of colorful butterflies, we will be able to observe the four stages of a butterfly’s life. While you are in the garden you will be able to feed one or more of the 25 different species of butterflies. Later visit to a Garden of Orchids , where you will see about 35 to 60 species of orchids in bloom. Some of them are seen by a magnifying glass. At the end of the tour you have the ability to observe Hummingbirds and other bird species. In the afternoon, our local guide will take us on a 2-hour exploration besides Mindo River the River Mindo and through the nearby forest, we will spot exotic birds, point out local medicinal plants and learn more about explain their uses. Night at El Monte Ecolodge (Standard room) Included: transportation, English speaking guide, excursion, lunch, entrance fees, bedroom and dinner Day 2: Mindo - Quito Today we will make an early start to visit our ´Cock of the Rock´ lek, a place where these marvelous birds congregate to feed. After a nourishing breakfast, we will walk along the heights of the stunning San Lorenzo Mountain Range, while we walk, our guide will lead the way, and weather permitting, help us catch a glimpse of spectacular birds such as the Golden-Headed Quetzal, the Choco Toucan and the Crimson Rumped Toucanet, amongst many others. After lunch we will be heading back to Quito. Included: breakfast, English speaking guide, excursion, entrance fees, transportation 2024 Price per person in US$: 1 person = $1366 2 people = $827 3 people = $654 4 people = $572 Can also price with fewer guided excursions INCLUDED:
* Bilingual naturalist guide * Private transportation * Accommodation * Entrance fees * All meals NOT INCLUDED: * Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks * Personal Expenses * Tips |
Day 1: Quito - Mindo
Private transportation from Quito to Mindo, Mindo has about 370 species of orchids in the reserve. The orchid is undoubtedly one of the most impressive attraction to those visiting the place, the unspoilable range of species on display. Admire and enjoy the interactive butterfly garden where, surrounded by hundreds of colorful butterflies, we will be able to observe the four stages of a butterfly’s life. While you are in the garden you will be able to feed one or more of the 25 different species of butterflies. Later visit to a Garden of Orchids , where you will see about 35 to 60 species of orchids in bloom. Some of them are seen by a magnifying glass. At the end of the tour you have the ability to observe Hummingbirds and other bird species. In the afternoon, our local guide will take us on a 2-hour exploration besides Mindo River the River Mindo and through the nearby forest, we will spot exotic birds, point out local medicinal plants and learn more about explain their uses. Night at El Monte Ecolodge (Standard room) Included: private transportation, English speaking guide, guided excursion, entrance fees, lunch, dinner and accommodation Day 2: Mindo - Half Day Cock of the Rock Today we will make an early start to visit our ´Cock of the Rock´ lek, a place where these marvelous birds congregate to feed. After a nourishing breakfast, we will walk along the heights of the stunning San Lorenzo Mountain Range, while we walk, our guide will lead the way, and weather permitting, help us catch a glimpse of spectacular birds such as the Golden-Headed Quetzal, the Choco Toucan and the Crimson Rumped Toucanet, amongst many others. Included: breakfast, private transportation, guided excursion, English speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch, dinner and accommodation Day 3: Mindo - Quito - Half Day Hummingbird Paradise. Today we will visit ´Tony’s House´, an iconic spot where we can admire more than 24 species of hummingbirds. Tony is an expert on the birds and their songs and has placed a lot of hummingbird feeders around his house, as well as in the forest, to attract the amazing variety of brilliantly colored birds you will see here. More than 19 varieties can regularly be seen, including some of the most rare specimens. After lunch will be heading back to Quito. Included: breakfast, English speaking guide, private transportation, lunch and guided excursion. 2024 Price per person in US$: 1 person = $2490 2 people = $1540 3 people = $1231 4 people = $1086 Can also price with fewer guided excursions |